Parenthood is a journey of celebrating milestones, first steps, first words, but it also involves careful observation of your child’s unique path of child development. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how an individual communicates, interacts, and processes the world around them. While the signs of ASD can be complex and vary greatly from child to child, the single most critical factor in improving long-term outcomes is early detection and intervention. Routine screening is not about seeking a label; it is about providing a key that unlocks the right support and resources for your child as early as possible. The dedicated pediatric team at Concord Pediatrics, P.A., in Concord, NH, is committed to comprehensive developmental monitoring.

Why Screenings Are Essential

ASD is a spectrum, meaning no two children present exactly alike. Some signs may be subtle, easily mistaken for shyness, strong preference, or a "phase." Standardized screenings help pediatricians objectively evaluate a child’s development across key domains, ensuring that potential differences are not missed.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends universal screening for autism at the 18-month and 24-month well-child visits, in addition to routine developmental surveillance at all visits.

• Timely Intervention: Interventions like speech therapy, occupational therapy, and applied behavior analysis (ABA) are most effective when started in the preschool years when the brain is most adaptable and rapidly developing new neural pathways (plasticity).
• Clarity for Families: A screening can provide answers for parents who may be concerned that their child is struggling. Whether the screening indicates a need for further evaluation or simply reassures you that development is on track, knowledge is always empowering.

What To Expect During An Autism Screening

The screening process at New Hampshire’s Concord Pediatrics, P.A., is non-invasive and integrated seamlessly into your routine well-child visit.

• Standardized Questionnaires: The most common tool used is the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-up (M-CHAT-R/F). This is a simple, validated questionnaire that parents complete, asking about specific behaviors related to social interaction, communication, and play.
• Pediatrician Observation: Dr. Fisher and the team will observe your child’s behavior, interaction patterns, and communication style during the visit. We pay close attention to social engagement, eye contact, response to name, and pretend play.
• Developmental History Review: We review your child’s developmental timeline, including when they met milestones related to babbling, gestures, and social smiles.

Signs That May Prompt Further Evaluation

While the screening tool is primary, we also watch closely for behavioral indicators that warrant further discussion and a potential referral for a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation:

• No Babbling or Gesturing: Absence of pointing, showing, or waving by 12 months.
• Lack of Joint Attention: The inability to share focus with another person (e.g., looking where you point or pointing to show you something interesting).
• Loss of Skills: Any loss of speech, babbling, or social skills at any age.
• Atypical Play: Repetitive behaviors (like hand flapping or spinning objects) or a severe focus on parts of objects rather than playing with the object functionally.
• Difficulty with Social Reciprocity: Failing to initiate or respond to social bids like smiles or cuddles.

Get the Right Kind of Help for Your Child

If a screening indicates a higher probability of ASD, the next step is not a diagnosis; it is a referral to a specialist, like a developmental pediatrician or child psychologist, for a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. Concord Pediatrics, P.A., will support your family through this process, connecting you with trusted resources and local early intervention services in New Hampshire. Early action gives your child the best chance to build skills, adapt, and reach their fullest potential.

Schedule your child’s next well-child appointment to ensure their developmental monitoring is up-to-date by calling (603) 224-1929.